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3. UAE Rules Out Use of Its Territory as Region Braces for Possible Attacks on Iran

The Emirati Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement asserting the United Arab Emirates’ position on a U.S.-Iran conflict on Monday, stressing that it will not allow its territory to be used for any attacks on Iran.

The release states: “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) has reaffirmed the United Arab Emirates’ commitment to not allowing its airspace, territory, or waters to be used in any hostile military actions against Iran, and to not providing any logistical support in this regard.” 

This statement was announced in light of the relocation of a U.S. aircraft carrier strike group towards the Gulf as tensions mount with Iran. 

Trump expressed on Thursday that "we have a lot of ships going that direction, just in case…I'd rather not see anything happen, but we're watching them very closely," directly addressing Iran as the focus of the military posturing.

The U.S. military buildup is the largest since the leadup to the 12-Day War between Israel and Iran in June 2025.

The Region Takes Positions

At the same time, Iran’s proxies declared their willingness to retaliate against the U.S. in the event of commencing direct military operations against Iran. 

The Houthis threatened restarting its attacks against ships passing through the Red Sea, which they suspended after the October 2025 Israel-Hamas ceasefire. The Houthis have signaled their willingness to initiate attacks should they deem it necessary.

Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem spoke at an event earlier today warning that the organization may intervene in solidarity with Iran if the U.S. were to attack. However, his speech left ambiguity in Hezbollah’s position, that it is not neutral but still reserves the right to involve themselves as they see fit.

In the last week, some airlines have suspended their flights to the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Israel ahead of potential escalations in the region. Israeli airlines have also communicated protocols to evacuate their fleet should regional war break out, though this was carried out independently of the Israeli government.

Amid heightened tensions, on January 15, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Turkey and Oman urged Washington that it refrain from attacking Iran over fears of regional spillover.

The Question of Escalation

Since the violent crackdown on protesters amid the nationwide demonstrations against the Iranian regime, Trump has expressed willingness to military intervene in the country, telling the demonstrators to “keep protesting” and that “help is on its way” on January 13. 

The Trump administration ultimately did not carry out military escalations against Iran, but did impose sanctions on vessels of the Iranian shadow fleet to “deny the Iranian regime the resources to oppress its people.” 

Meanwhile, Trump threatened crippling force against Iran in light of U.S. intelligence uncovering Iranian assassination plots against him and other U.S. officials, leaving the operation of military escalation on the table